I have a special treat for you. I knew that Matt was a concert violinist but I wasn’t aware of the details of his music career until I requested a summary of his career in order to put together a curriculum vitae for him that was requested for a submission of one of his book manuscripts for publication. I wish to share this information with you. Truly, Matt is a gifted musician, as evidenced by his many outstanding achievements.
(All events occurred in the state of Illinois unless otherwise indicated)
Began playing the violin at age 10 at Lincoln Grade School (East Peoria).
Played in East Peoria Community High School Orchestra from 1985 to 1989.
Mother purchased handmade Texas maker Steven Cundall violin for Matt on his 16th birthday in 1987.
Played in “Nine Strings” (high school) ensemble from 1987 to 1989.
Made Illinois “All-State” Orchestra my junior and senior years in 1987 and 1988.
Received partial scholarship in 1989 to play violin at Bradley University (Peoria).
Played in the Bradley University Chamber Orchestra from 1989 to 1993.
Soloed with Bradley University Chamber Orchestra in concert in March, 1993 playing Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor by Max Bruch.
Played in Knox-Galesburg Symphony from 1993 to 1995.
Played in Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra (Ottawa) from 1993 to 1995.
Taught violin privately from 1993 to 1995 (several students).
Played in Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra from 1993 to 1995 and again from 1995 to 1999.
Played in Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra from 1994 to 1997.
Played in Southern Illinois University Symphony Orchestra (Carbondale) from 1995 to 1998.
Played in Paducah Symphony Orchestra (Kentucky) from 1995 to 1998.
(These are approximate dates, reasonably certain, taken from memory)